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The minds behind a plan to bring three massive condo towers to King Street West, say their ambitious project will produce an end product that Torontonians can be proud of.

But the project has raised questions about how the buildings could affect the neighbourhood, both during the construction period and when they are completed.

David Mirvish formally unveiled plans Monday to build three 80-storey towers — one alongside the Royal Alexandra Theatre, with the remaining two placed in the area bounded by King, Pearl and John Streets and Ed Mirvish Way.

Renowned Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry is designing the proposed buildings, which would also be home to an art gallery, retail spaces and studios for OCAD University.

Both men say their vision is to build a set of buildings unlike any seen in Toronto before them, which when completed will be part of a vibrant downtown community.

"These towers can become a symbol of what Toronto can be," Mirvish said during a Monday news conference.

"I am not building condominiums, I am building three sculptures for people to live in."

The project has not yet been formally approved, though Mirvish has consulted a local councillor and a zoning application was expected to be filed Monday.

Coun. Adam Vaughan supports the proposed condo project, which he says will enhance the community. If it goes forward, the three towers would be built in the downtown ward he represents. (CBC)

Coun. Adam Vaughan said the proposed King Street West project is not merely another new condominium development, but an opportunity to build something that will enhance the community.

"This is something more, this is about how we change this part of the city," he told CBC News on Monday.

Prior to the news about the Mirvish-led project, there had already been local opposition to other condo development further along King Street West.